Rolling Forward with Hope

Wheels of Faith Foundation Partners with The Salvation Army

The journey of hope sometimes begins with a simple step – or in this case, with wheels. The Salvation Army BC Division is honoured to announce a transformative partnership with the Wheels of Faith Foundation, which has generously donated 390 roller duffel bags to support our community members in transition.

Born from a Single Act of Kindness

What began as a response to help one person on a freezing night in Langley has blossomed into a movement of hope. Darla F. Knight, President and Founder of Wheels of Faith Foundation, recalls the moment that sparked it all: “We were leaving the restaurant one night, and it was below zero. There was a gentleman, a homeless gentleman, sleeping outside on the sidewalk. We thought, ‘he’ll probably be dead in the morning.’”

That evening, Darla and her team rushed to Walmart, purchasing a warm comforter and a McDonald’s meal for the man. But their concern didn’t stop there. “We realized that in the morning, he’d have this big comforter and all his other belongings – how was he going to carry it all?” This insight led to purchasing their first roller duffel bag, and soon, through connections with a Chinese Christian manufacturing facility, their vision expanded from helping one person to supporting hundreds.

Making Moves with Dignity

For many individuals accessing Salvation Army services, having a proper way to transport their belongings can make a significant difference in their journey.  

“These duffel bags will definitely assist with their move, going from one particular phase of their unhoused situation to the next phase. It provides our community members with dignity and practical support during their transition journey,” shares Alvin Chong, Director of Community Development for The Salvation Army Belkin Communities of Hope. 

These roller duffel bags will serve multiple purposes across the region as they will be distributed to those in need from different Salvation Army locations, including:

• Belkin Communities of Hope (Belkin House, Grace Mansion & Richmond House Shelter)
• Kate Booth House
• Vancouver Harbour Light
• Victoria Addictions & Rehabilitation Centre

The impact of proper storage when someone is in transition, having a reliable way to keep and transport their possessions, isn’t just about convenience – it’s about dignity. These roller duffel bags provide our community members with a secure way to store their personal items, easy mobility through wheel functionality, durable storage solutions for their belongings and a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

Community Support in Action

This partnership with Wheels of Faith Foundation demonstrates how community organizations can come together to provide practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. The donation will not only benefit our residents but also support our staff in managing and transporting necessary supplies efficiently.

Looking Forward

As we continue to serve our communities, partnerships like this one with Wheels of Faith Foundation remind us that together, we can make meaningful changes in people’s lives, one step – and one wheel – at a time. 

To learn more about the Wheels of Faith Foundation and their mission, visit wheelsoffaith.net.

By Sipili Molia